Abstract

Nick is dying. Barney spends much of his time keeping him company, helping him to lead an almost normal life and sharing his carefully guarded secret. The two boys often go down to the old harbour, to look at the boats and take photographs.

Barney finds it hard watching his friend getting weaker and weaker. And then there are the other problems. He worries about his relationship with his first real girlfriend. He worries about his schoolwork.. He is under pressure to perform well as a county swimming champion. And he needs a part time job.

Everything seems to be working out - just - when what he has most been dreading happens. All the other things which could also go wrong do so spectacularly. Then there is a strange shaped room, some ham and mustard sandwiches and a few conversations with a wise old sailor.